Deboning stock thieves worry Midlands farmers

Zim Now Writer

In a trend that is worrying Midlands farmers, stock thieves steal and debone cattle and get away with steak.

The stock thieves recently struck in Lalapanzi, Somabula, Silobela and Lower Gweru and police are battling to rein-in the thieves.

Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed some deboning cases.

“Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating yet another stock theft case where four beasts were deboned by unknown suspects in Somabula farming area.

“The offence was committed during the early hours of last Tuesday,” he said.

It is reported that at around 5am, the complainant Nhlanhla Ndlove of Somabula farming area was shocked to wake up and see his four beasts worth about US$4 600 slaughtered and deboned in the kraal.

Ndlove filed a report with the police and a manhunt has been launched for the perpetrators, who are not known.

Insp Mahoko appealed to members of the public to intensify security measures in safeguarding their livestock.

“As the police, we are appealing to members of the public for information which may lead to the arrest of the culprits. We also urge farmers to intensify their security measures to safeguard their stock,” he said.

A Lalapanzi farmer lost six head of cattle last week after thieves slaughtered the beasts inside the kraal and deboned them.